By: Andrew Lacy Posted at: 08/19/2013 03:21 PMCHADRON – The Chadron State College football team found out Monday it is ranked 20th in the American Football Coaches Association Preseason Division II Coaches Poll.

Chadron State, which went 9-3 and qualified for the NCAA Division II Playoffs a season ago, ended the 2012 campaign ranked 18th. However, Grand Valley State (14th) and West Alabama (16th) both jumped ahead of the Eagles in the preseason poll after finishing behind them in the final ballot in 2012.

"It's always nice to be ranked but ultimately we have to take care of business on the field," second-year head coach Jay Long said.

Valdosta State, which won its third D-II national championship in 2012, received 26 first place votes to secure the top spot in the preseason poll. Minnesota State-Mankato is second and West Texas A&M, Chadron State's opponent on Sept. 12, is third.

Colorado State University-Pueblo, which will play at Chadron State on Oct. 12, is ranked eighth. In addition, the Eagles' opponent in the season-opener, Missouri S&T, received votes.